Go here for this week's Rushing Matchups.
Top 5 Passing Matchups
Chicago vs Jacksonville
Caleb Williams delivered his most impressive game as a professional quarterback in his recent performance, completing 20 of 29 passes for an average of 10.5 yards per attempt and throwing two touchdowns. His ability to avoid sacks has been a key asset; he took just one sack in Week 5, highlighting his quick release and decisiveness in the pocket. The chemistry Williams has developed with D.J. Moore has been evident, with Moore commanding 26% of Williams' targets. Moore's standout performance against the Panthers, where he recorded 105 receiving yards and two touchdowns, signals that he could be headed for a breakout as the season progresses. Moore's contributions, combined with rookie Rome Odunze's growing involvement—catching 5 of his 6 targets in Week 5—show that Williams is starting to distribute the ball more effectively. Odunze, who exploded in Week 3, continues to trend upward, and his ceiling looks higher as he integrates more into the offense. Keenan Allen remains a reliable option but might not match the upside of the younger talents in this receiving corps.
On the other side, Jacksonville's defense continues to struggle mightily against the pass. They've already allowed three quarterbacks to throw for over 330 yards this season. While they limited Deshaun Watson to a lesser performance, they have also faced Josh Allen, who threw for four touchdowns before being pulled. Most recently, the Jaguars allowed Joe Flacco and the Colts to pass for 359 yards and three touchdowns. The absence of Tyson Campbell is glaring, as the Jaguars lack a true shutdown corner to limit opposing passing games. Ronald Darby, though a veteran, has made notable errors, including a poorly played reception against Alec Pierce. Montaric Brown continues to be a target on the other side, while safeties Andre Cisco and Darnell Savage, who are more proficient in run support, have been less effective in coverage. Rookie cornerback Jarrian Jones has shown some potential, but he remains a bit player, and the Jaguars' defense struggles to handle dynamic passing attacks like Williams and his weapons.
Tennessee vs Indianapolis
The Tennessee Titans' passing game indeed showed improvements under Mason Rudolph compared to Will Levis. However, Levis is slated to start this week if his shoulder is fully recovered, despite a difficult season so far. Levis has struggled with sack rate and downfield passing, ranking last among qualifiers in sack rate and 28th in yardage rate. However, his 11th-ranked completion percentage suggests he's been conservative with shorter, safer throws. With the Indianapolis Colts' weak pass defense on tap, this could be an opportunity to take more risks and air the ball out. DeAndre Hopkins is in line for favorable matchups, as the Colts have struggled mightily to handle downfield throws and carry receivers effectively. Hopkins could easily exploit this defense with deep routes like go and post patterns.
The Colts' pass defense has been the main culprit in several shootouts this season. Over the last three weeks, they've allowed an average of 350 yards through the air to opponents like Caleb Williams, Justin Fields, and Trevor Lawrence, all of whom posted season-high numbers against this unit. The defense has consistently been victimized by big plays downfield. Last week, Lawrence completed 82% of his throws, much higher than his season average, and connected on multiple long completions. Brian Thomas Jr.. burned them for an 85-yard touchdown, while Christian Kirk added a 61-yard reception. Even with their top cornerback, Kenny Moore II, healthy, the Colts have had trouble limiting explosive plays. Secondary players like Jaylon Jones and Samuel Womack III are serviceable but lack the shutdown ability to slow good wideouts. Their issues are compounded by poor safety play and soft zone coverages, leaving them vulnerable to deep balls. This season alone, they've allowed four opposing wide receivers to top 110 yards, averaging 15.2 yards per catch.
Washington at Baltimore
The Jayden Daniels experience continues to impress as he maintains his knack for creating havoc in opposing defenses. Although his accuracy wasn't at its best in Week 5, Daniels still averaged an impressive 9.5 yards per attempt, consistently making big plays downfield. His connection with wideout Terry McLaurin has been strong, highlighted by a perfectly timed 66-yard strike that saw McLaurin outrun coverage with ease. Later in the game, Daniels hit Dyami Brown for a 41-yard touchdown, and he nearly added a 98-yard bomb to Zach Ertz. Even in his raw state as a young quarterback, Daniels is showing flashes of brilliance, solidifying his status as an elite fantasy option. The lack of a clear-cut target hog in Washington's offense has resulted in Daniels distributing the ball on big plays. McLaurin leads the team with a 27% target share, more than enough to expect a productive performance in favorable matchups like Week 6.
Baltimore's defense, once a hallmark of the team, now plays second fiddle to the offensive playmaking of Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry. So far this season, the Ravens defense has allowed three of the four quarterbacks they've faced to surpass 275 yards. Even Gardner Minshew II succeeded in Week 2, completing 30 of 38 throws. Joe Burrow had a career day against them in Week 5, throwing for 392 yards and five touchdowns. The Ravens' issues stem from both their pass rush and coverage downfield. Despite the presence of capable safeties in Kyle Hamilton and Marcus Williams, Baltimore has been vulnerable to deep passes and quick-hitting routes in the seams between corners and safeties. Adding to the problem is a pass rush that ranks just 25th in the league, generating pressure on only 4.8% of dropbacks. Kyle Van Noy leads the team in sacks and quarterback hits, but more is needed from the defensive front. Until Baltimore improves its pass rush and deep coverage, the red-hot Daniels will likely have no problem testing their vulnerable zones on Sunday.
Tampa Bay at New Orleans
Baker Mayfield is having something of a resurgence in 2024, posting some of the best numbers of his career at age 29. Though his physical tools remain more solid than spectacular, Mayfield has shown growth in protecting the football and managing games effectively. He ranks 21st in air yards per throw and 27th in air yards per completion among 32 qualifying quarterbacks, reflecting his reliance on safer, shorter throws. While that reduces his fantasy upside, it has helped him maintain control over games, preventing turnovers. However, this also means his passing yardage can be inconsistent, with strong games of 289 and 347 yards offset by sub-185-yard performances in other outings. The focal points of Mayfield's passing game are clear, with Chris Godwin and Mike Evans dominating the target share. Godwin, known for his dependability, leads the team with a 26% target share, making him a solid volume-based play in fantasy leagues. However, Godwin hasn't surpassed 70 yards since Week 2, making his production more modest than explosive. Meanwhile, Evans, the big-play receiver, continues to be the source of higher upside, though he's become increasingly touchdown-dependent, only surpassing five receptions or 65 yards once this season. The Buccaneers' receiving corps beyond those two is shallow, with no other receiver seeing much involvement, as evidenced by the fact that ex-Giant Sterling Shepard has been brought in to fill some gaps.
On the defensive side, Dennis Allen's Saints have maintained their reputation for strong situational play, even if the unit overall is struggling. Sitting 26th in pass defense in 2024, they've given up 290+ passing yards in three of their five games, despite facing tough competition. While Marshon Lattimore remains a standout cornerback, frequently deterring quarterbacks from throwing in his direction, the rest of the secondary has been more vulnerable, particularly against slot receivers and tight ends. For instance, Dallas Goedert and Travis Kelce posted big games against the Saints, as did the Chiefs' JuJu Smith-Schuster, who racked up 130 yards by repeatedly exploiting holes in coverage. The Saints' pass rush hasn't been disruptive enough to consistently collapse pockets, which has given quarterbacks time to find open receivers over the middle and in the slot. The lack of coverage talent at safety has also been a weak spot, making it an area of concern in high-volume matchups like this one. All in all, this could set up as a game with plenty of passing opportunities for Mayfield, even if the big plays remain few and far between.
Dallas at Detroit
The Cowboys' passing game is still looking for consistency, and while Dak Prescott's performance in Week 5 showed signs of life, there's still room for improvement. Prescott threw for 352 yards and two touchdowns on 42 attempts against a strong Pittsburgh defense but also committed three turnovers, which hindered the Cowboys from capitalizing fully on his passing volume. Prescott is often under pressure and working with a depleted offensive unit. His receiving corps has been impacted by injuries, with Brandin Cooks placed on IR, forcing Prescott to lean even more on CeeDee Lamb and others like Jalen Tolbert and tight end Jake Ferguson. CeeDee Lamb has yet to fully break out in 2024. He's been steady, posting between 61-98 yards in every game this season, but hasn't reached the kind of elite production expected of a lead wideout. His 21% target share is good but could be better, especially considering the lack of alternative downfield options. Tolbert, in particular, has stepped up in Cooks' absence, leading the team in targets with 10 last week, while Ferguson continues to be a valuable red-zone presence. However, the Cowboys' ground game is almost non-existent, making them heavily dependent on Prescott's ability to generate offense through the air. Unless they can improve their run game or get more out of their receiving depth, this offense will likely remain a work in progress, reliant on Prescott's ability to make the most of limited opportunities.
The Detroit Lions defense has been shaky, especially against strong passing attacks. In Week 4, they allowed Geno Smith and the Seahawks to accumulate 395 yards, and DK Metcalf became the third opposing wide receiver in four games to surpass 100 yards against them. The Lions' secondary, particularly Carlton Davis, struggled in one-on-one situations against both Metcalf and Marvin Harrison Jr. in previous weeks, with rookie cornerback Terrion Arnold showing potential but still going through growing pains. Safety Brian Branch, who is a solid playmaker in the slot, is expected to return after missing a game, but Detroit's downfield defense remains vulnerable. Until they tighten their deep coverage, they'll continue to give up big plays, something Prescott and Lamb could exploit if given the opportunity. Terrion Arnold has also struggled with penalties this season, as the rookie has five pass-interference penalties and two holding penalties. No other cornerback has more than three pass-interference penalties this season.
Bottom 5 Passing Matchups
Jacksonville at Chicago
Trevor Lawrence and the Jaguars finally showed a statistical breakout in Week 5, with Lawrence completing 82% of his passes and racking up 371 yards to secure the team's first win. This performance was a welcomed sight, especially considering that Lawrence had not topped 220 passing yards in any prior game this season. Despite the strong showing, Lawrence still ranks just 29th in completion rate, 21st in yards per throw, and 19th in success rate for the season. While improved last week, the Jaguars' passing attack has not become consistent. One of the limitations has been the inconsistency in the deep passing game. Lawrence has struggled to find a rhythm due to his own pocket issues and a lack of dynamic playmakers. Rookie Brian Thomas Jr. has been used primarily in clear-out and low-percentage routes, reducing his overall impact. Meanwhile, Christian Kirk, who is averaging just 7.8 yards per target, has struggled to elevate beyond being a reliable possession receiver. Gabe Davis, brought in to add a vertical threat to the offense, has also disappointed, failing to secure a catch beyond 22 yards. Until this unit shows more consistency, it will be tough to rely on them for fantasy production.
On the other side of the ball, the Chicago Bears pass defense has quietly been one of the most effective in the league. They've limited opposing quarterbacks to just 6th in the NFL for yards allowed per attempt and per game, with only one quarterback (C.J. Stroud) managing more than 225 passing yards. The Bears' two-deep coverage scheme has been particularly effective, limiting big plays and frustrating quarterbacks who want to stretch the field. A standout performer has been cornerback Jaylon Johnson, who is developing into one of the league's best shutdown corners. Last week, Johnson was instrumental in holding the Panthers' Diontae Johnson to just 23 yards on three targets, continuing his streak of neutralizing No. 1 wide receivers. Houston's Nico Collins is the only receiver to exceed 85 yards against Chicago this year, and even he had to work the middle and seams hard to earn his production. Given the strength of Chicago's pass defense, it's hard to imagine Lawrence repeating his Week 5 explosion against such a tough secondary.
Buffalo at NY Jets
Josh Allen remains one of the NFL's most dynamic all-around quarterbacks, keeping the Buffalo Bills competitive in almost any game. His ability to create plays with his legs and make strong, off-platform throws is well-documented. However, the Buffalo passing game has hit a significant rough patch recently. While Allen started the season efficiently, the offense has sputtered over the past two games. In Week 4, the Bills' passing attack was completely neutralized by a struggling Ravens pass defense, and Week 5 against the Houston Texans proved even worse. Allen completed just 9 of 30 pass attempts for 131 yards before being pulled from the game. The loss of key receivers, particularly Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis, has significantly hindered Allen's ability to move the ball through the air. Khalil Shakir, who has been a reliable target in the slot, missed Week 5 and is uncertain for Monday's game. This leaves rookie Keon Coleman, a promising deep threat, but his inconsistency and issues with drops have prevented him from making a significant impact. No other Buffalo pass-catchers, including tight end Dalton Kincaid, have been able to elevate the passing game. If Shakir remains sidelined, Allen will likely rely more on his legs and the ground game, while Kincaid may see an uptick in short-yardage targets.
The New York Jets pass defense has been exceptional in 2024, currently ranking second in the league in passing yards allowed per game and first in yards allowed per attempt. While their schedule hasn't featured the toughest quarterbacks—Will Levis, Bo Nix, and Jacoby Brissett—they did effectively shut down more established passers like Brock Purdy and Sam Darnold. Most notably, they limited Justin Jefferson, one of the NFL's top receivers, to just 92 yards on 14 targets in Week 5. The Jets' defensive success is largely due to their elite trio of cornerbacks: Sauce Gardner, D.J. Reed, and Michael Carter II. Gardner may be the star of the group, but Reed has arguably been even more dominant since 2023. Together, they've managed to shut down a variety of top receivers this season, including Jefferson, Deebo Samuel Sr., and Calvin Ridley. Despite the fact that Allen will be the most talented quarterback the Jets have faced this year, Buffalo's lack of consistent weapons could make it difficult for them to challenge this formidable secondary. The Jets' defense looks poised to continue frustrating passing attacks, leaving Allen and the Bills in a precarious spot heading into this matchup.
Carolina vs Atlanta
Andy Dalton does offer a modest improvement for the Carolina Panthers compared to Bryce Young. Dalton's experience and decision-making helped Carolina secure a win over the Raiders and kept them competitive in a loss to the Bengals. However, the reality of the Panthers' situation hit hard last Sunday against the Chicago Bears. Dalton's performance was underwhelming, completing just 4.9 yards per throw while taking three sacks, throwing an interception, and fumbling once. His struggles were most evident in his inability to feed Diontae Johnson, who had been on fire over the previous two weeks with 205 yards and 2 touchdowns. Chicago held Johnson to just 3 catches for 23 yards, a far cry from his recent output. Aside from Johnson, the Panthers' offense lacks notable playmakers. Jonathan Mingo has yet to carve out a significant role, while rookies Xavier Leggette and Jalen Coker remain unproven. Despite Dalton's veteran presence, there's little upside for Carolina's offense, which remains among the league's most limited.
On the other side, the Atlanta Falcons pass defense has been one of the most improved units in 2024. They've already faced elite quarterbacks like Patrick Mahomes II and Jalen Hurts, holding each below 240 yards passing. In fact, it's been nearly a full season since the Falcons last allowed a 300-yard passing game. The defense doesn't generate much pressure, ranking 31st in pressure rate, but that's largely by design. Instead of blitzing, Atlanta focuses on solid downfield coverage, led by an exceptional secondary. Opposing wide receivers, including stars like George Pickens, DeVonta Smith, and Chris Olave, have struggled to generate much yardage, all averaging less than 9.0 yards per target. The safety duo of Jessie Bates III and Justin Simmons excels at reading plays and forcing quarterbacks into poor decisions, while their strong tackling prevents big gains after the catch. Given Atlanta's defensive prowess and the Panthers' lackluster offensive support, Diontae Johnson may struggle to break out in this matchup, and the overall outlook for Carolina's passing game looks grim.
Los Angeles Chargers at Denver
Under Jim Harbaugh, the Chargers offense has undergone a significant transformation in 2024. After being a pass-heavy team last year, dropping back to throw 61% of the time, they've shifted to a more balanced attack, throwing on just 47% of plays this season. This shift coincides with the departures of key players like Keenan Allen, Mike Williams, and Austin Ekeler. Unfortunately, the offensive pivot has come with a drop in Justin Herbert's overall efficiency. Despite being one of the league's most talented young passers, Herbert's numbers have dipped slightly in completion rate, yardage, and sack rate, suggesting growing pains within this new system and a lack of established weapons to lean on. Rookie Ladd McConkey has emerged as Herbert's primary target, leading the team in receptions and target share. However, McConkey's impact has been limited, as he's surpassed 45 yards just once this season and currently ranks 77th in the league with 7.3 yards per target. Quentin Johnston, the only other Chargers receiver with more than 9 catches, is similarly volatile, making it hard to trust this passing attack week-to-week. While Herbert's talent remains undeniable, the offensive scheme and supporting cast make it difficult to project a sudden turnaround.
Complicating matters further, the Chargers face a Broncos defense that has been quietly dominant in pass coverage. Despite offensive struggles with rookie quarterback Bo Nix, Sean Payton's team has relied heavily on its defense to control game flow and keep matchups close. The Broncos' pass defense has yet to allow more than 231 passing yards in any game, even holding Aaron Rodgers to a baffling 5.4 yards per throw. What's more impressive is the Broncos' ability to shut down opposing wide receivers. DK Metcalf, George Pickens, Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, and Garrett Wilson—an elite group of receivers—have combined for just 169 yards on 28 targets against Denver, with only Godwin finding the end zone on a short touchdown. Cornerbacks Patrick Surtain II and Riley Moss have formed one of the NFL's top shutdown duos, frequently erasing opposing top receivers' production. The best chance for the Chargers in this game may lie in attacking the middle of the field. Slot corner Ja'Quan McMillian is not as formidable as the outside coverage, but overall, this matchup looks challenging for Herbert and his inconsistent group of pass-catchers. Denver's suffocating defense, combined with the Chargers' lack of high-impact weapons, could spell trouble for Los Angeles in Week 6.
Indianapolis at Tennessee
The Colts may be without franchise quarterback Anthony Richardson for another week as he recovers from a hip injury. In his place, veteran Joe Flacco is expected to make his second start. For Indianapolis, Flacco presents a safer option than Richardson, particularly for the team's passing attack. However, the Colts face a significant challenge without star wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr., who is sidelined for at least a month. Pittman's absence is a huge blow, as he provides the team with a physical, go-up-and-get-it presence that will be sorely missed, particularly in the red zone. While Flacco's volume-driven approach will benefit some of the team's other pass-catchers, the outlook for the Colts' aerial attack remains cloudy. Josh Downs has been efficient, catching 20 of 26 targets so far this season, but he's averaging just 8.7 yards per catch and is currently questionable for Sunday's game. Meanwhile, deep-threat Alec Pierce will see an increased role in Pittman's absence, but he hasn't proven to be a reliable option. Pierce has yet to draw more than 78 targets in a season and struggles with efficiency, catching only 53% of his passes. In addition, Pierce hasn't been much of a red-zone threat, with just two touchdowns in 38 career NFL games. Without Pittman's size and reliable hands, the Colts may struggle to convert key passing situations into points.
On the defensive side, the Titans have been surprisingly stout against the pass despite their 1-3 record. They lead the NFL in passing yards allowed per game and rank second in yards per attempt. While some of their statistical dominance is inflated by facing lesser quarterbacks like Malik Willis and Tyler Huntley, they've also contained high-caliber passers like Caleb Williams and Aaron Rodgers, limiting them to modest production. In Week 1, Tennessee held Williams to his worst game as a pro, and they followed up by restricting Rodgers to just 5.9 yards per attempt. None of their opponents' wide receivers topped 60 yards in those games, and no tight end has surpassed 25. The Titans' success is largely due to veteran additions to the secondary, particularly L'Jarius Sneed, who has lived up to expectations as a lockdown corner. Chidobe Awuzie was also a key figure before landing on injured reserve. Strong safety play from Quandre Diggs and Amani Hooker has further bolstered a secondary that was considered one of the team's weaker units in recent years. Against a Colts team missing its top wideout and potentially lacking other key pass-catchers, the Titans' defense could continue its dominant ways in Week 6.
